Spaghetti dinner, fishing derby helps kids

The country has several programs intended to get youth out in an adventure setting to help them achieve self-confidence and other skills.

A local group is called Friends of Mr. D, Not For Profit. The Friends is an organization with a goal to "support access and remove barriers for individuals who want to participate in adventure-based experiential whole brain learning," according to a release from the organization.

The group gets kids to participate in high quality tutoring, recreation, cultural and community enrichment programs. One example is a scholarship to the annual River-to-River Expedition on the River-to-River Trail. The adventure involves hiking, camping, swimming, rock climbing, fishing, first aid training, rescue, canoeing, horseback riding, cultural learn, team building and self-concept building activities.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 28 The Friends of Mr. D will have a spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser at Honker Hill Winery at 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale. Tickets are at the door with a $10 donation.

B. Douglas and the Phonics will perform jazz, blues and Motown hits.

There will also be a fishing derby for kids at 2:30 p.m. with prizes for the biggest and most fish caught.

The group operates on donations only.

Any questions about the event can be answered by calling (618) 638-8059 or visiting the Web site at www.thefriendsofmrd.org